Incident at Tekken 7 Event
During the EGX 2023 event, a notable incident occurred involving the UK-based climate change group Just Stop Oil. In a surprising turn of events, activists from the group stormed the stage at the Tekken 7 tournament during the winner’s final. The activists proceeded to spray orange paint on the big screen behind the competitors and on parts of the stage, causing a significant disruption.
The audience’s reaction to the protest was immediate, with a chorus of boos directed at the activists. Security personnel quickly intervened, escorting the protestors from the venue. The Metropolitan Police later arrested the individuals on suspicion of Criminal Damage.
Just Stop Oil’s Rationale and Target Selection
The climate change group Just Stop Oil targeted the EGX event for a specific reason. The group pointed to the event’s sponsorship by Barclays Bank, which they claim has financed approximately $167 billion in fossil fuels. This direct financial link to the fossil fuel industry made the event a target for the group’s protest.
Just Stop Oil’s decision-making process in choosing this particular event over others, such as a Fortnite event, which also has ties to fossil fuel sponsorship through Shell, has raised questions. The group’s strategy seems to focus on high-visibility actions, regardless of the direct connection to the fossil fuel industry.
Previous targets of Just Stop Oil’s protests have included:
- Large-scale marches and disruptive protests on the UK’s busiest motorway
- Cultural events like a production of Les Miserables and a BBC Proms concert
- Sporting events such as Wimbledon, an Ashes test match, and the World Snooker Championship
- Throwing soup at the National Gallery’s painting of Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh
Tournament Outcome and Community Reaction
Despite the disruption caused by the Just Stop Oil protest, the Tekken 7 tournament at EGX 2023 resumed shortly after the incident. The final saw player J0Ka emerge victorious over Ayorichie. Notably, third place went to KaneandTrench, who was on-stage during the protest and experienced the incident firsthand.
KaneandTrench shared his thoughts on the event, expressing a mix of bewilderment and disappointment at the interruption of the match:
So activists stopped the winners final match between me and [Joka] at EGX2023, what a mad occurrence to happen, I just wanna play man lol, some of the paint they shot at the stream screen went over us a little. Don’t think their message was sent though, sucks for them eh?
— KaneandTrench @Kaneandtrench.{{DOMAIN}} (@Kaneandtrench)
{{DATE}}
Tekken caster, commentator, and tournament organizer Spag highlighted the damage done to the equipment and shared an image of the aftermath. He also humorously noted KaneandTrench’s determination to continue playing amidst the chaos:
In the middle of winners finals these activist morons jump on stage and spread paint all over the monitors and venue
— Spag @SpaghettiRip.{{DOMAIN}} (@SpaghettiRip)
{{DATE}}
Spag also pointed out the irony of the situation, as the event was ultimately won by a player sponsored by a Saudi company, which is a country known for its oil production. He commended the tournament staff for their swift action in getting the event back on track.
Public Opinion and Just Stop Oil’s Tactics
Public opinion regarding the tactics of Just Stop Oil has seen significant shifts over time. Initially, there was some cautious support for the group’s cause, as the UK population generally acknowledges human-caused climate change and feels the government could do more to address it. However, as the group’s protests have increasingly disrupted public life, the pushback has grown more pronounced.
| Tactic | Public Reaction |
|---|---|
| Closing sections of the UK’s busiest motorway | Initially cautious support, later annoyance and opposition |
| Targeting cultural and sporting events | Increasing frustration and vocal criticism |
| Throwing soup at artwork | Widespread condemnation and questioning of methods |
Additionally, as Just Stop Oil’s profile has risen, so has scrutiny of its funding sources. A major donor is the US-based Climate Emergency Fund, co-founded by Getty family heir Aileen Getty, whose fortune was built on oil. This connection has fueled various conspiracy theories and further complicated public perception of the group.
Effectiveness of Targeting a Tekken Tournament
The decision by Just Stop Oil to target a Tekken tournament has been met with criticism from the esports community. The effectiveness of such a protest in advancing the group’s climate change goals is questionable. Critics argue that the disruption did little to sway the opinions of those present, who are likely to be younger, more liberal, and already conscious of climate issues.
Jeff Simpkins, COO of Resolve esports, voiced his opinion on the matter, suggesting that the protest was misguided and ineffective:
Attack an event where the majority of people in attendance are young, likely more Liberal and more conscientious about the climate and the need to make change. Complete waste of paint and time. Morons.
— Jeff Simpkins @HereLiesJeff.{{DOMAIN}} (@HereLiesJeff)
{{DATE}}
In summary, the protest at the Tekken event appears to have been a misstep for Just Stop Oil, failing to resonate with the audience and potentially alienating potential supporters. The incident has sparked a broader discussion on the tactics used by climate activists and their impact on public support for environmental causes.
